The Joy Trip Project

I’ve been told it shouldn’t matter. But as one in a handful of black professionals in the outdoor recreation industry I can’t help being wildly excited. In June the first team of African-American climbers will attempt to reach the summit of Alaska’s Mount McKinley, the tallest peak in North America. Also known as Denali at [...]

One year after Jim Whittaker and his team became the first Americans to summit Mount Everest another historic climb was achieved in Alaska. In 1964 along with 14 other climbers Charles Crenchaw became the first African-American to reach the top of Mount McKinley, also known as Denali. Achieving a height of 20,328 feet above sea [...]

In June of 2013 the first team of African-American climbers will attempt to reach the highest peak in the continental United States. The project called Expedition Denali aims not only to demonstrate the long standing presence of black athletes on the adventure scene, but to inspire a new generation of young people to embrace the [...]

I admit some apprehension to being in front of the camera. As a trained observer I’ve always been more than a little reluctant to be part of the story. But when it comes to Expedition Denali I’m prepared to make an exception. To be part of the first team of African-American climbers to reach the [...]

(This story is the second installment that details the latest Expedition Denali training mission to the summit of Mount Baker ) My field of vision was restricted to a bright white cone of light. The beam of my headlamp reflected back the blue-grey footprints of the climbers on lead ahead of me. Overnight the summer [...]

Morning comes early in the mountains. By definition an alpine start rouses climbers from sleep long before sunrise. Gathered on the Easton Glacier the night before, we discussed our departure time at the team meeting. My first thought was probably shared by the others. “Are you friggin’ kiddin’ me?” But no one said anything. We [...]